Art studio caters to students’ strengths to cultivate future careers

Students aren’t just blending colors on the canvas at The King Art Studio; they’re blending art and education.

By Cassandra Keenan View Staff Writer

September 4, 2015 - 7:52 am

Nine-year-old student Emily Parkes, left, is given instruction by Vanessa Torres during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Students work on their pieces during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Easels and paintings are shown at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

From left, students, Jackson Morell, 7, Torryana Tanis, 11, Justine Retodo, 10, and Emily Parkes, 9, work on their pieces during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Student Emily Parkes, 9, works on her piece during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Student Emily Parkes, 9, works on her piece during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Student Leyla Rosles, 6, is given instruction by Sarah King during a private painting lesson at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Ten-year-old Justine Retodo, right, and 11-year-old Torryana Tanis work on their pieces during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Six-year-old student Leyla Rosles is given instruction by Sarah King during a private painting lesson at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

The front door of The King Art Studio is shown in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

A student works on their piece during the group painting class at The King Art Studio in Henderson, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015. (Jason Ogulnik/Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Students aren’t just blending colors on the canvas at The King Art Studio; they’re blending art and education.

The studio, which opened six months ago at 2016 W. Sunset Road, Suite 100, offers instruction primarily for children, incorporating a curriculum tailored to each student’s interests and abilities.

“If the student’s strength is not in drawing, they usually will be slowly progressed into painting later on after they learn drawing skills,” said Sarah King, who owns and operates the business.

Classes include mandatory weekly homework and are available in painting, drawing, graphic design, sculpture, and arts and crafts, led by instructors with degrees in either art or education.

King, who has a master’s in education and a bachelor’s in fine art, taught art for about seven years in the Clark County School District and at private and charter schools, she said.

The business began at King’s home, where student enrollment began growing dramatically, making it a challenge to accommodate classes at the casida on her property.

“I thought it was just going to be a hobby, and within two months, I had a full class load and taught about 50 kids a week,” said King, 28. “It became a full-time job.”

She said opening her new commercial space allowed her to accommodate more students and address growing demand.

“It felt good because there was a waiting list,” she said. “There was only one me and one space — a small space.”

About 100 children are now involved in the studio’s programs, said King’s husband, Alex King, who takes care of the information technology portion of the business.

“Everybody has their day and time of the week, so they come on a weekly basis,” he said.

Classes are geared toward preparing students to pursue art in high school and college, eventually making it a career, Sarah King said. She said many of her students have been accepted at Las Vegas Academy, for instance.

“They’re prepared; their confidence is built,” she said. “I would say nine times out of 10, they make it.”

The studio seems to be a perfect fit for Alexandra Musa, 9, who was taking a painting class Aug. 14 and plans to own a gallery one day. Currently, she’s practicing making thin lines and painting what she sees in nature.

“I like to draw animals and a lot of flowers,” she said.

Her mother, Chris, said Alexandra regularly works on arts and crafts projects at home, such as making greeting cards.

Aside from classes, the business offers open art studio time, Mommy and Me art classes, portfolio development, Boy and Girl Scout workshops, artist workshops and summer art camps, among other programs.

Sarah King also owns a side business, Best Painting Parties, which hosts gatherings where participants can sip wine, paint and socialize at her studio, at one of its partnering venues, or at clients’ homes or offices.

Group lessons are $25, and a private lesson is $45. For more information on classes and rates, visit thekingartstudio.com, call 702-522-1900 or email info@thekingartstudio.com.

For more information on Best Painting Parties, visit bestpaintingparties.com.